BOARD OF EDUCATION

GLADSTONE AREA SCHOOLS

400 SOUTH TENTH STREET

GLADSTONE, MICHIGAN  49837

 

MINUTES

                                                             

 

The regular Board of Education meeting of the Gladstone Area Schools was held on Monday, January 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Jones/Middle School.

 

The meeting was called to order by Linda Howlett, President at 7:03 p.m.

 

Members Present:         Linda Howlett, John Skellenger, Gloria McDonnell, Patrick Madden,

Gary Micheau, Steve O’Driscoll

                                  

Members Absent:       Dirk Manson (excused)

 

Administrative:           Dr. Jay Kulbertis, Brady Downey, John Mileski, Dave Ballard, Karl Dollhopf, Tom Davis, Jim Hansen, Lori Wells, Lisa Valentine, Mike Macfarlane, Janice Winkel, Harold Flagstadt, Pam Durbin                                  

Member of                  

the Press:                     Lisa Reed

 

The list of guests is recorded in the Administrative Office as a part of the minute book.

 

Parent Brian Branstrom and teacher Jim Hubbard shared comments about contract negotiations.

 

Student Jack Thomas requested the Board of Education to consider the students welfare as their main concern during negotiations.

 

Motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by P. Madden and supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –6, Nays –0.  Motion carried.

 

Alice Butch, Community Foundation Representative and student Ashley Thomas presented a Community Foundation grant to Peggy Austin for $500 for Preschool funding.

 

Dr. Jay Kulbertis presented Board members with a certificate of appreciation in honor of School Board Recognition Month. Jay thanked them for their genuine care and commitment to the school district. Cake and coffee was served following the meeting.

 

Motion to approve the minutes of regular meeting December 17, 2007 as presented was made by G. Micheau and supported by J. Skellenger.  Ayes –6, Nays -0.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to approve payment of general fund bills numbered 27004 – 27078 and handwritten     checks numbered 1 – 97 in the amount of $191,633.94 was made by G. McDonnell and supported by P. Madden.  Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Pat Madden and Gloria McDonnell discussed the details of the recent curriculum meetings.  Jim Beauchamp inquired about his request to add a baseball program. Dr. Kulbertis shared an update of what is in process.

Page 2 of 2: Regular Minutes – January 21, 2008

 

 

Dr. Jay Kulbertis reported on the School Education Foundation and that there will be an addition to the Board of Directors; the Bay Middle College will begin working with students this semester and will also be topic discussed at he Delta-Schoolcraft Association of School Boards annul meeting on February 6; and that today is the start of the 2nd semester.

 

Motion to award the 3/5 6th grade English teaching position to Ryan Holm was made by P. Madden and supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to award the part-time Business Office Assistant position to Lynn Wulf was made by G. Micheau and supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –6, Nays –0.

 

Motion to accept a letter rescinding intent to retire at the end of the current school year from Louise Nault was made by J. Skellenger and supported by P. Madden. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a resolution for the annual school election was made by G. McDonnell and supported by G. Micheau. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a resolution approving bank signatories at baybank and First Bank was made by G. McDonnell and supported by G. Micheau. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a roll-over calendar for the 3rd marking period was made by P. Madden and supported by J. Skellenger. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a Michigan School Readiness Program participating resolution for the 2007-08 school year was made by G.  Micheau and G. McDonnell. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Parents and staff members shared comments and asked questions about contract negotiations. Comments on the bullying issue were also shared by parents.

 

Motion to go into closed session to discuss contract negotiations was made by G. McDonnell and supported by S. O’Driscoll. Roll call vote:  S. O’Driscoll –Aye; g. McDonnell –Aye; P. Madden –Aye; J. Skellenger –Aye; D. Manson –Absent; G. Micheau –Aye; L. Howlett –Ayes. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Meeting moved into closed session at 8:30 p.m.

Meeting moved into open session at 9:30 p.m.

 

Motion to adjourn was made by G. Micheau and supported by G. McDonnell.  Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ____________________________________                                                                                    Secretary, Board of Education

 

/jlw